Chapter 15 - Becoming the Emperor (1/2)
Becoming the Emperor
The news of the Emperor’s assassination spreads quickly. The palace was in chaos and Qin YiJun who is the successor of the throne was rushed to protection. Qin YiJun who had lost his mother at young age now felt miserable after getting the news of his father’s death. He was escorted to the Emperor’s study by both the Crimson Guards and the Shadow Guards. When he arrived, he saw Qin LuoZhuo inside, waiting for him.
“YiJun, you’re here,” Qin LuoZhuo said with an aggrieved expression on his face. “The Emperor… has passed and the court would be restless in the morning. You are the Crown Prince, and thus, you have to assume the throne,” as Qin LuoZhuo said this, he took out a scroll as well as the Imperial Jade Seal from the box on top of the table.
“This is the edict that my brother made, and also the Imperial Jade Seal which is the symbol of the true heir. And now, they belong to you. Only…” he paused as he looked over at Qin YiJun who seemed to be overwhelmed with all that has happened. “YiJun, you are still young. Your grasp within the court is still non-existence. If you agree to it, your uncle can act as the regent until you solidify your influence in the court.”
“I…” Qin YiJun hesitated before finally shaking his head. “No. If I am to ascend the throne now, the citizens will talk. We must first catch the assassin. The news of… Imperial Father’s assassination must not be leaked outside,” Qin YiJun said as he approached the table and took the seal and the edict. “I will hold onto this but until the assassin has been caught—“
“YiJun… I actually do not want to tell you when you are still in turmoil but seeing that you are calm, I believe you should be able to handle this news,” Qin LuoZhuo said as he went closer to Qin YiJun. Placing both his hands on Qin YiJun’s shoulder, he looked at his nephew straight in the eyes. “The assassin was caught earlier in the act. The assassin’s identity… is Li FangMing.”
“Impossible! Li FangMing has yet to return from his training with his master,” Qin YiJun immediately refuted. “Royal uncle better not joke with this! I know Li FangMing well. He is like a brother to me, he won’t harm Imperial Father!”
“I am not joking. We caught him red-handed! When he was found, royal brother’s body were still warm and the dagger was on his hand! If he didn’t do it, who did?!” Qin LuoZhuo asked back. He had already expected that this nephew of him would not believe him so he planned to simply pressure the younger male.
“It can be anyone, but it definitely won’t be Li FangMing,” Qin YiJun replied.
“YiJun, I am not the only one who had seen it! There are several others! It really is unfortunate but this is the truth!” Qin LuoZhuo decided to lay out his card.
“No. I do not believe it.”
“Qin YiJun, you are blinded by your affection. That person who you treat as your brother has been planning this for a while now. Did you know that he had been training assassination technique from Hao Shuren?” Qin LuoZhuo asked.
Qin YiJun glared at his uncle. “What of it?” he asked back. He couldn’t say that he knew because he truly doesn’t. Li FangMing had promised to tell him tonight, but then this happened.
“Don’t you think that it is weird that he’s learning assassination technique? He said he’s learning from Hao Shuren so that he could protect you but to learn assassination? What use is there?”
“Royal uncle… why do I feel like you are trying to push all the blame to Li FangMing?” Qin YiJun couldn’t help but ask. He is starting to feel that there is a deeper plot in this incident.
Qin LuoZhuo just sighed and then walked away. “It seems that no matter what your uncle say, royal nephew will not believe any of it. Then, your uncle can only give you more proof. Follow me to the court hall.”
The two went to the Imperial Court Hall and then, Qin LuoZhuo proceeded to summon the witnesses, the court ministers, as well as Li FangMing. The witnesses and the court ministers arrived quickly despite how late it is but Li FangMing is still missing. While waiting, Qin LuoZhuo had decided to inform them of the current situation and the atmosphere within the court hall turned solemn. They were also condemning the assassin in their heart and couldn’t wait to find out who had dared to kill the Emperor.
They waited for a while until some became restless and impatient. The wait was finally over when several guards entered with a fully restrained Li FangMing.
Qin YiJun could see that Li FangMing was full of injuries and he felt rage bubbling up within him. “What do you think you’re doing?” Qin YiJun asked in a low voice.
“Your Highness,” one of the guards went forward and knelt down before Qin YiJun and Qin LuoZhuo. “Please forgive our tardiness. The convict had tried to escape earlier so we had to—“
“That is now what this prince is asking!” Qin YiJun roared out in anger before he took a long stride over to where Li FangMing is only to be stopped by the guards.